Gov. Andy Beshear provides update on wildfires; 1 firefighter dead

FRANKFORT, Ky. – An Oldham County firefighter reportedly died Saturday after suffering a medical emergency while fighting a wildfire in Kentucky.

Gov. Andy Beshear said Monday the federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives has confirmed the death of Sgt. Thomas A. Petschke Jr., 53, who later died after battling a fire at a burning vacant structure in Goshen, Kentucky.

Petschke died shortly after arriving at Norton Brownsboro Hospital.

The ATF, the Oldham County Police Department and the Oldham County Fire Marshal’s office are investigating the origin and cause of the fire, as well as any potential future investigation.

Following Thursday’s State of Emergency declaration, Beshear says hundreds of firefighters are still working to contain fires in Kentucky.

The governor says there are currently 16 active wildfires, 31 less from Thursday, and 36 fires that are contained, which have containment lines but require some amount of action.

In addition to this, 76 fires are controlled, which is 44 more than Thursday’s number, according to Beshear.

Over 26,000 acres have been impacted, and Beshear is reminding Kentuckians to stay aware of dry weather conditions.